�134m of ERDF funding now allocated to business growth projects in Leeds City Region

Almost 90% of the money assigned to the Leeds City Region through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has now been allocated to projects that boost business growth and create more and better jobs, according to latest figures.

�134 million � or 86.5% of the entire Leeds City Region ERDF pot � has been allocated or committed to projects that support firms to grow, become more efficient or increase productivity.

ERDF funding is part of the �308 million European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programme, which the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) launched in 2014. At the time, the LEP was the first local enterprise partnership in the country to launch its ESIF programme.

Projects part-funded through ERDF in the Leeds City Region include Export for Growth, which is aimed at companies wanting to develop their international business or get started with international trade, and the Stimulating Innovation in the Agri-Food Sector programme, which is designed to boost science-based innovation in the sector and increase small business investment in agri-food research.

Further ERDF funding is expected to be made available from the start of March. For more information on how to bid, visit www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds

�Investing in projects that deliver business growth is a core theme of the LEP and I�m delighted almost 90% of Leeds City Region�s ERDF funding has already been committed to innovative and job-boosting projects.

�Thanks to the grant from ERDF, City Region businesses are now getting support to be more productive, export more efficiently and save money on their energy bills.

�Further funding is still available and we�re looking forward to receiving more bids for projects that will create jobs, boost the success of local businesses and make the City Region more competitive nationally and internationally.�

The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), delivered by Economic Growth Solutions (EGS) Ltd, received �500,000 of ERDF funding in October 2016. The team provides advice and support to help SMEs grow and has helped more than 240 firms within the engineering, food and drink, and construction sectors in Leeds City Region, creating 131 jobs.

David Whiteley, MGP Manufacturing Growth Manager for the Leeds City Region, said:

�It is satisfying to be at this position with the MGP. We are working hard to help manufacturing companies to grow and improve within Leeds City Region.

�We are way ahead of the targets we have set for ourselves, proving that there is a real appetite from SMEs for targeted business support that can help them grow.�

ERDF funding is administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in partnership with the LEP.

In addition to ERDF, a further �68m from the European Social Fund has also been committed for projects across Leeds City Region, which support people to gain employment and skills and retain work. These funds are administered by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with the LEP.

The City Region�s European funding is in addition to the �1 billion Leeds City Region Growth Deal, which the LEP secured in 2014 to transform the City Region economy. This remains the largest Growth Deal ever handed out to a local enterprise partnership by Government.

More information on additional business support and funding in Leeds City Region is available from the LEP website. Alternatively, call the LEP�s Growth Service on 0113 348 1818 or email businessgrowth@the-lep.com

For more information on MGP, visit www.manufacturinggrowthprogramme.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors

We work in partnership with local councils and businesses to ensure that everyone in our region benefits from a strong, successful economy and a modern, accessible transport network. By championing the region�s interests nationally and internationally, we secure the investment to deliver better transport and housing, help businesses to grow and create jobs.

The Combined Authority works in partnership with the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to help businesses in our region grow and become more productive and operates the Metro-branded network of bus stations, travel centres and public transport information for West Yorkshire.

We want our region to be recognised globally as a strong, successful economy where everyone can build great businesses, careers and lives.

European Structural and Investment Funds - MGP

The project has received �500,000 of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.